As an understatement, may I say: God loves to surprise us with things only He can do.

As a young staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ in the late 70s, I heard about Erma Griswold. “Mrs. G” was legendary within our ministry. For years she served as the administrative assistant of Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade (now called Cru in many countries). She was known for fiercely overseeing the correspondence of Dr. Bright and assuring it was correct. 

I identified deeply with this description. I love making sure articles and correspondence are correct. When I heard about Mrs. G, I thought to myself, “I’d like to do her job someday.” 

Mrs. G, at a Christmas party with my co-worker Holly in 1989. Holly remembers Mrs. G’s almost photographic memory and attention to detail.

I went through cross-cultural training in Los Angeles, California, served a semester as a campus ministry staff member in Denton, Texas, and taught for two years at a Bible Institute in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Then I headed off on further adventures — working for many years in Communications at our regional offices, based in Cuernavaca and Mexico City, Mexico, and, after Ed and I were married, in Baguio and Manila, Philippines. 

In 2014, after 34 years overseas (34 for me, 40 for Ed — a story for another time!), we sensed God was saying it was time to return to the U.S. I was asked to work in the Cru President’s office in Orlando, Florida, as a writer and editor. More than other jobs available to those of us going through a year-long program at the headquarters, this role appealed to me. I had expressed my interest in it — but it was a bit intimidating to get it!

Reporting to work with Cru president Steve Douglass in 2014

I had been in this position a while before I remembered my thought of many years before: I had wanted to do what Mrs. G did. I am not the guardian of all the correspondence of our current president, David Robbins, but I do play a vital part in his monthly letter to thousands of staff members around the world. I help with proofreading and editing, and I coordinate the 11 translations needed. I also verify and edit ministry stories for the talks and correspondence of the president and other leaders. I’m doing some of what Mrs. G did.

After her homegoing in 1990, Dr. Bright wrote about Mrs. G: “Few individuals have been a greater inspiration to me than Mrs. Griswold …. Her gracious, loving spirit, combined with her outstanding work ethic, enhanced my ministry in a special way.”

“Her love for our Lord motivated her to work tirelessly. Whenever I would ask her to slow down and take more time for herself, she would reply, ‘This is what I enjoy most — reading letters and reports of how God is using this ministry to transform lives through Jesus Christ around the world.’”

Austin Pryor, a staff member who knew her well, wrote: “Mrs. G had come to Cru at the age of 67 as a volunteer to file letters, and stayed on to serve for 26 years! She worked productively and with a sharp mind until her very last days — just as she prayed she would.”¹ Clearly, Mrs. G was a woman to emulate in many ways. It’s an honor to even partly fill her shoes.

Only the Lord remembered the desire of my heart to do the job of Mrs. G. Only He was able to bring things together to fulfill it, at His perfect time and when I had been uniquely prepared, 30-some years later.

Knowing this encourages me in my as-yet-unanswered prayers. It reminds me that my God is orchestrating the smallest details of my life. In the meantime, He constantly calls me to His side, comforting me with the caring fellowship of the Holy Spirit. 

Friend, you are His unique creation; He has a unique adventure planned for you. You can trust His love and power! He’s keeping track of your hopes and dreams. He is able to put them all together for you as He did for me — in just the right way at just the right time.

Yes, let us say with the Psalmist (Psalm 57:3) — I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me.

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¹https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/what-will-a-retirement-lifestyle-look-like-for-you

photo of Mrs. G courtesy of Holly Clow

If you haven’t discovered life in Christ, don’t hesitate to check it out. Life is too short to miss His love and perfect plan for you. Read About “The Nearness of God” or see everyperson.com for more information. You can also read my story of coming to faith in Christ in: How My Song Began.